COL.  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  FLOWERS 
MEMORIAL  COLLECTION 


DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
DURHAM.  N.  C. 


PRESENTED  BY 

W.  W.  FLOWERS 


AN  ABBIDOMENT  OF  A 

SERMON 


PREACHED  AT  SHEFFlELJi,  (eNG.)  APRIL  25,  1821. 


BY  Ri:V.  JAMES  BENNETT, 
Minister  of  JiC  Indepe  ident  Chui-cL,  t nd  Pres't'ent  of 
RoLherham  Collegv. 


*'  Cruel  .'/-e  .tnuerness  that,  w'iisprrs  peace 
To  men  af  "  in^  A^  U!.  iheir  Redeemer,  men 
Who  scorn  his  clemency,  and  dare  Ij's  wrath! 
And  O!  how  false  the  fnends^'p,  hat  uni  es 
Preacher  ami  people  i)^.  the  ruinous  work 
Of  mu  ual  flattery."' 


%Arwvwvwvw 


HILLSBOROUGH: 
PRINTED  BY  DENNIS  HEARTT* 
1823. 


4 


DUTY  OF  SUPPORTING 

THE 

AN  ABIIIDGMENT  OF  A 

SEBMON 

PREACHED  AT  SHEFFIELD,  (eNG.)  APRIL  25,  1821. 

EY^REV  JAMES  BENNETT, 
Minister  of  the  Independent  Churcht  and  Pres.of  Rotherham  Col. 

w-vvw  WXl 

If  toe  have  sown  unto  yon  spiritual  things^  is  it  a  great  thing  if  tt# 
ihall  reap  your  carnal  things? — 1  Cor.  ix.  11. 

It  devolves  on  me,  my  dear  hearers,  by  the  appoint- 
rnent  of  others,  and  not  by  my  own  choice,  to  unfold  and 
enforce  the  duty  of  supporting  the  ministry  of  the  word. 
1  am  not  unaware  thai  the  first  mention  of  this  subject  will 
startle  many,  and  awaken  a  thousand  reflections  on  the  de- 
lica'  y,  not  lo  say  the  invidiousness  of  the  attempt.  But  as 
I  h'.pe  to  ftive  the  most  satisfactory  proof  that  divine 
thority  binds  this  duty  on  the  conscience,  I  presume  that~ 
you  feel  it  would  be  an  affront  to  your  good  sense,  and  a 
reflection  on  your  christian  principles,  to  waste  your  time 
in  efforts  to  display  the  proprieiy  of  in&ulcating  that  which 
God  has  commanded,  and  of  resolving,  that  neglect  on  this 
point  shall  not  rob  us  of  the  right  to  say,  "  we  have  kept 
back  nothing  that  was  profitable  to  you,  nor  shunned  to 
declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God." 

If  any  shrink  from  this  subject,  not  on  their  own  ac- 
count, but  for  the  sake  of  others;  lest  the  discussion  should 
prove  injurious  to  religion,  by  giving  colour  to  the  suspi- 
cion of  mercenary  motives;  which  some  affect  to  enter- 
tain against  the  ministers  of  religion;  I  respect  their  fears, 
I  sympathize  with  their  delicate  solicitudes,  and  say,  with 


2 

the  apostle,  it  were  better  for  us  to  starve,  or  to  die,  than 
that  any  man  should  make  void  our  glorying,  that  we 
preach  the  gospel,  «  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but  of  a  ready 
mind;  and  seek  not  yours,  but  you." 

I  would,  tiovvever,  remind  such  hearers,  that  the  words 
I  have  chosen  for  my  text  are  extracted  from  a  passage, 
in  which  the  same  apostle  who  was  so  exquisi'.ely  alive  to 
every  thing  that  might  commit  the  honour  of  the  (gospel, 
inculcates  the  duty  of  supporting  the  ministry,  on  an  in- 
fani  church,  whom  he  might  naturally  ne  afraid  of  preju- 
dicing against  that  religion  w  hich  they  had  so  recently  em- 
braced. Yet  we  shall  soon  see  with  what  frankness  and 
decision  he  who  would  sacrifice  every  right,  or  interest  of 
his  own,  or  even  life  itself,  to  the  h(;nour  of  the  gospel, 
demands  the  recompense  due  to  pastor  il  toils;  without 
once  betraying  the  slightest  suspicion  that  he  might  injure 
the  religion  of  Jesus,  by  pressing  a  duty  which  bears  the 
impress  of  divine  authority,  and  commends  itself  alike,  to 
the  coolest  decision  of  the  judgment,  and  the  noblest  feel- 
ings of  the  heart. 

That  those  who  live  under  the  highest  inspirations  of 
religion,  will  welcome  the  consideration  of  this  subject, 
I  am  satisfied;  because  I  know  that  they  grieve  for  the 
inadequate  attention  paid  to  that  which  so  deeply  aflTccts 
the  interests  of  the  church;  while  those  who  would  glad- 
ly lose  sight  of  the  grand  christian  duty,  or  blot  it  from 
the  code  of  scripture  and  the  christian's  breast,  are  the 
very  persons,  for  whose  "  correction  and  instruction  in 
righteousness,**  we  arc  compelled  to  unfold  the  duty;  and 
urge  to  that  obedience  which  Heaven  demands,  for  its  ho- 
nour and  their  highest  good. 

On  the  coolest  consideration,  therefore,  I  feel  myself 
entitled  to  all  christian  freedom  in  discussing  this  subject; 
not  forgetting  that,  as  I  am  often  called  to  address  young 
ministers  on  their  duty  to  the  churches,  and  can  appeal  to 
some  present  that  I  have  endeavoured  to  discharge  that 
delicate  task  with  unsparing  fidelity,  showing  all  that  the 
churches  have  a  right  to  expect  from  us,  I  may  be  indul- 
ged with  equal  boldness,  while  I  call  upon  christians  to 
yield  an  adequate  support  to  those,  who  "  watch  for  your 
souls  as  they  that  must  give  an  account.*' 


5 


I  request,  Ihen,  your  candid  attention  to 

I.  The  divine  afifiointmenty  that  the  church  of  Christ 
should  sujipori  its  nninisters. 

To  a  christian  audience,  scarcely  any  thing  more  is  ne» 
cessary,  certainly  nothing  is  more  conclusive  and  authori- 
tative on  aiiy  point,  than  to  show  that  "  thus  sailh  the 
Lord.**  In  the  mode  of  adducing  my  proof  of  this,  I  can- 
not follow  a  better  example  than  that  of  the  inspired  apos- 
tle, who  shows,  that  the  ancient  dispensation  enjoined  the 
same  duty;  that  Christ  perpetuated  it  under  the  gospel; 
and  that  in  fact,  it  may  be  termed  a  duty  of  natural  reli- 
gion, or,  in  other  words,  that  it  is  but  common  justice. 

1.  Under  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  God  enjoined  that 
the  mmisiers  of  relifjion  should  be  supported  by  the  con- 
tributions of  the  people. 

Let  no  one  take  alarm  at  this  appeal  to  the  law,  as  if  I 
wished  to  bring  them  under  the  Jewish  yoke  of  ceremo- 
nies; for  it  should  be  remembered,  that  all  that  is  most 
dear  to  our  hearts  as  christians,  was  first  announced  to 
the  world  by  Moses  and  the  prophets,  before  Christ  and 
his  apostleji  proclaimed  the  fulfilment  of  the  promised 
grace.  The  seed  of  ihe  woman  shall  bruise  the  serpent's 
head,  said  Moses  in  the  law;  Unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto 
us  a  son  is  given,  sang  the  sublime  prophet  Isaiah;  while 
those  psalms  which  kindle  our  dovotion,  and  give  utter- 
ance to  the  emotions  they  inspire,  were  penned  by  Driq^d 
for  the  service  of  the  Mosaic  tabernack  and  the  templi^ 
which  Solomon  built.  If  ever,  therefore,  we  read  th€ 
Old  Testament  with  reverence  and  delight;  if,  at  any  tinp^e, 
it  cheers  cur  hearts  with  its  consolations,  or  guides  our 
steps  by  its  counsels;  we  admit  tb.ai  the  more  ancient  half 
of  the  inspired  code  may  be  our  instructor;  though  it  was 
given  under  a  dispensation  that  has  now  yielded  to  one 
n.ore  glorious  and  complete.  In  fact,  the  very  apostle 
who  most  strenuously  contended  that  the  law  was  but  a 
sliadow  of  good  things  to  come,  of  which  the  body  is 
Christ,'*  in  that  same  tpistle,  which  was  designed  and 
blessed  to  call  off  the  earliest  christians  from  doating  upon 
that  which  was  abolished,  so  fully  displays  the  various  and 
interesting  modes, in  which  the  legal  rights  unfolded  evan- 
gelical truths,  that  he  leaves  no  doubt  of  the  propriety  of 


4 


learning  christian  duty  from  the  general  principles  of  a 
dispensation,  whose  peculiar  rites  are  no  longer  in  force. 

Justly,  therefore,  the  apostle  says  to  the  Corinthian 
church,*  "  who  goeth  a  warfare  any  time  at  his  own  char- 
ges? who  planieth  a  vineyard,  and  eaielh  not  ot  the  fruit 
thereof?  pr  who  feedeth  a  flock,  and  eaieth  not  oi  the 
milk  of  the  flock?  Say  I  these  things  as  a  man?  or  saith 
not  the  law  the  same  also?  For  it  is  wniten  in  the  law  of 
Moses,  thou  shalt  not  muzzle  the  mouth  of  the  ox  that 
treadeth  out  the  corn.  Doth  God  take  care  for  oxen? 
Or  saith  he  it  altogether  for  our  sakes?  For  our  sakes,  no 
doubt,  it  was  written:  that  he  thai  plowf  th  should  plow 
in  hope;  and  he  that  thresheih  in  hope  should  be  partaker 
of  his  hope.  If  wc  have  sown  unto  you  spiritual  things, 
is  it  a  great  thing  if  we  shall  reap  your  carnal  things?  If 
others  be  partakers  ot  this  power  over  you,  are  not  we 
rather?  Nevertheless  we  have  not  used  this  power;  but 
suff'er  all  things,  lest  we  should  hinder  the  gospel  of 
Christ.  Do  ye  not  know,  that  they  who  minister  about 
holy  things  live  of  the  things  of  the  tt  mplc<  and  they  who 
wait  at  the  altar  ate  partakers  with  the  akar?  Even  so 
hath  the  Lord  ordained,  tnat  they  who  preach  the  gospel 
should  live  of  the  gospel." 

This  leads  me  to  sIjow 

2.  The  same  duty,  of  supporting  the  ministers  of  reli- 
gion, is  enjoined  by  Christ  under  the  gospel. 

Here,  also,  as  in  all  other  things,  that  Saviour,  who  is 
the  Legislator,  has  made  himscll  the  model  of  viitue.  He 
who  wrought,  as  it  is  pt  obable,  at  the  trade  of  a  carpen- 
ter, to  support  himself  and  the  fa-nily  in  which  he  was 
born,  previously  to  his  coming  forth  to  the  public  minis- 
try, would  not  have  disdained  to  continue  that  coinse  of 
honest  industry,  however  it  might  have  shocked  the  pride 
of  the  carnal  mind:  yet  he  deemed  it  proper  to  discontin- 
ue it,  from  the  time  that  he  was  anointed  by  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit, to  preach  the  gospel  of  the  kmgdoni.  As  he  came  not 
"  to  i^e  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his 
life  a  ransom  for  many,"  we  might  have  expected,  that 
he  would  rather  give  than  receive;  and  to  him  who 
wrought  miracles  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  starving 
*  1  Cor.  ix.  7 — 14. 


5 


thousands  who  attended  his  ministry,  it  had  been  easy  to 
create  all  that  was  necessary  for  him  and  his  attendant 
band.  He  chose,  however,  to  cast  himself  on  the  liberal- 
ity of  his  hearers,  to  live  upon  the  contributions  of  those 
whom  he  was  serving;  for,  in  addition  to  the  entertain- 
ment he  received,  wherever  he  went,  preaching  the  gos- 
pel, "  certain  women,  who  followed,  ministered  to  him  of 
their  substance." 

In  harmony  with  the  same  design,  and  as  a  part  of  the 
same  plan,  when  he  sent  forth  the  apostles  for  a  short  ex- 
cursion, while  he  was  with  them;  that  these  newly  fledg- 
ed eaglets  might  try  their  wings,  before  he  should  be  ta- 
ken from  them  and  they  should  fly  through  the  whole 
world  having  the  everlasting  gospel  to  preach  to  every 
nation  under  heavttn;  he  gave  them  this  charge,  As  ye 
go,  pfeach,  saying,  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 
Heal  the  sick,  cleanse  the  lepers,  raise  the  dead,  cast  out 
devils;  freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give.  Provide 
neither  gold,  nor  silver,  nor  hrass  in  your  purses,  not  scrip 
for  your  journey,  neither  two  coats,  neither  shoes,  nor  yet 
staves;  for  the  ivorkman  is  worthy  of  his  meat.  And  into 
whatsoever  city  or  lo^rn  ye  shall  enur,  inquire  who  in  it 
is  worthy;  and  there  abide  till  you  go  thence.  And  when 
ye  come  into  an  house,  salute  it.  And  if  the  house  be 
worthy,  let  your  peace  come  upon  it;  but  if  it  be  not  wor- 
thy, let  your  peace  return  unto  you.  And  whosoever  shall 
not  receive  you,  nor  hear  your  words,  when  ye  depart  out 
of  that  house  or  city,  shake  off"  the  dust  of  your  feet.  Ve- 
rily I  say  unto  you,  It  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  the  land 
of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment,  than  for 
that  city."  He  could  have  wrought  miraclus  for  them 
every  day,  and  supplied  all  their  need  each  moment.  Or 
he,  who  raised  money  from  the  bottom  ot  ti  e  sea,  in  the 
mouth  of  a  fish,  to  pay  the  contribuiion  required  for  the 
service  of  the  temple,  could,  in  a  moment,  have  filled  their 
purses  wiih  all  that  their  journey  would  requiie.  Nor  is 
it  improbal)ie  that  this  would  have  been  far  more  gratify- 
ing to  the  feelil^gs,  I  would  not  say  the  pride  of  the  disci- 
pies,  to  pay  for  all  they  obtaii-ed,  and  opeiily  confer,  rath- 
er than  seem  to  receive  obligations.  But  the  superior  wis- 
dom of  their  Lord  and  ours,  determined  that  they  should 


go  without  script,  and  without  purse;  that  those,  to  whom 
they  ministered,  sliould  entertain  and  support  ihem  all 
their  journey  through;  that  they  should  inquire  for  the 
most  worthy  persons,  and  there  abide,  as  putting  honour 
upon  their  host;  for,  it  is  a  maxim  in  Christ's  kingdom,  that 
he  and  his  faithful  servants  richly  repay  their  entertain- 
ment, since  the  labourer  is  well  worthy  of  his  mi  at. 

When,  therefore,  the  Spirit  descended  on  them  at  Pen- 
tecost, the  apostles  gave  themselves  up  wholly  to  their 
ministry;  so  entirely  withdrawing  from  all  secular  con- 
cerns, that  even  the  distribution  of  the  alms  of  the  faith- 
ful, was  not  sufficiently  spiritual  for  their  hands.  They 
said,  therefore,  "  it  is  not  meet  for  us  to  leave  the  word 
of  God,  to  serve  tables.  Wherefore,  brethren,  look  ye 
out  among  you,  seven  men  of  honest  report,  full  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  and  wisdom,  whom  we  may  appoint  over  this 
business.  But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer, 
and  the  ministry  of  the  woid."* 

In  those  letters  to  the  ministers,  Timothy  and  Titus,  in 
which  Paul  pourlrays  the  character,  ai  d  di  scribes  ^hr  du- 
ties of  the  christian  pastor,  he  says,  give  thyself  wholly 
to  these  thingSyXhai  thy  profiting  may  appear  u:  all."  No 
man  that  warreih  ent:\ngleth  himself  with  the  affairs  of 
this  life,  that  he  may  please  him  who  hath  chosen  him  to 
be  a  soldier."t 

1  know,  indeed,  that  it  is  oi^jected,  that  Paul  himself  is 
an  exception  to  this  rule.  But  this  very  objection  adnuts, 
that  the  rule  is,  that  ministers  shouh'  be  supported  by  the 
people  of  their  charge.  How  sirange,  then,  is  the  per- 
version which  makes  the  exception  their  rule,  and  the  rule 
an  exceptioi  !  And  for  what  reason  did  Paul  make  him- 
self an  exception  to  that  which  he  declared  the  Lord  or- 
dained should  be  the  general  practice?  Because  there 
were  some,  among  the  first  churches,  who  being  ill  affect- 
ed to  his  person,  his  ministiy,  and  doctrine,  would  gladly 
have  seized  any  opportunity  to  charge  him  with  sinister 
motives.  He  detern>ined,  therefore,  to  cut  cflf  all  occa- 
sion "  from  thefi)  who  desire  occasion,  that  wherein  they 
glory,  they  may  be  found  even  as  vve."|  Who,  therefore, 
can  require  their  minister  to  imitate  the  apostle,  in  thus 
*  Acts  vi.  2—4.        t  2  Tim.  ii.  4.         4  2  Cor.  xi.  12. 


7 


ajjstaining  to  receive  support  from  those  to  whom  he  min- 
isteied,  without  inakint;:  the  unenviable  admission,  that 
they  imitate  the  ill-disposed  persons,  virho  view  the  minis- 
try and  the  gospel  with  an  evil  eye;  whom  it  h  therefore 
necessary  to  melt  down  by  heaping  coals  of  fire  on  tneir 
heads;  to  vanquish,  by  such  a  course  of  voluntary  martyr- 
dom for  their  welfare,  as  would  stop  the  mouth  uf  an  infi- 
del, and  compel  the  bitterest  foe  to  admit,  we  were  their 
disinterested  friend? 

For  this  reason,  our  missionaries  among  the  heathen  are 
obliged,  at  first,  to  support  themselves,  or  must  be  assist- 
ed by  the  churches  at  home:  because,  wc  cannot  expect 
idolaters  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  a  religion,  whose 
truth  and  value  they  have  yet  to  learn.  But  shall  we 
deal  thus  Hiib  the  churches  of  Christ?  Tiie  love  of 
Christ  forbids  that  we  should  treat  you,  brethren,  as 
heathens. 

But  after  all,  it  was  only  at  certain  intervals,  and  in  par- 
ticular places,  that  Paul  labored,  working  with  his  ovrn 
hands  lo  minister  to  his  wants.  For  we  read  most  distinct- 
ly, of  the  contributions  made  to  his  support,  by  the  disci- 
ples of  Christ.  One  beautiful  acknowledgment  of  their 
liberality  may  well  suffice.  "  In  Tliessalonica,  ye  Philip- 
pians  sent  once  and  again  unto  my  necessity.  Not  that  I 
desire  a  gift;  but  I  desire  fruit  that  may  abound  to  your 
account.  But  I  have  all,  and  abound;  I  am  full,  having 
received  of  Epaphroditus  the  things  which  were  sent  from 
you,  an  odour  o{ a  sweet  smell,  a  sacrifice  acceptable,  well- 
pleasing  to  God;  but  my  God  shall  supply  all  your  need 
according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus.** 

Even  in  Corinth,  where  the  apostle  received  nothing 
from  the  church  he  served,  he  was  assisted  by  churches  at 
a  distance.  Have  I  committed  an  offence  in  abasin,^  my- 
self that  ye  might  be  exalted,  because  I  have  preached  to 
you  the  gospel  of  God  freely?  I  robbed  other  churches, 
taking  wages  of  ihem  to  do  you  service.  And  when  I  was 
preseiU  with  you,  and  wanted,  I  was  chargeable  to  no  man; 
for  that  which  was  lacking  to  me  th^  brethren  who  came 
from  Macedonia  supplied."  If  the  persons,  to  whom  this 
was  written,  had  any  generous  sensibility,  how  must  they 
have  been  stung  by  this  reflection  on  themselves,  and  how 


8 


must  they  have  envied  the  churches  of  Macedonia  iheir 
superior  honour,  in  supporting  the  apostles  of  Chrisii 

3.  It  is  the  dictaie  of  what  may  be  termed  natural  re- 
ligion; as  it  is  but  common  justice  that  those  who  labour 
for  others,  should  be  supported  by  them.  Had  not  God 
explicitly  interposed  his  auihority,  nor  regulated  this  sub- 
ject in  divine  revelation;  but  had  he  only  said,  now  judge 
of  your  ownselves;  does  not  nature  teach  you  what  is 
rij»hi?  would  it  not  have  been  manifest,  to  every  roan  of 
common  sense  and  just  feeling,  that  if  one  class  of  society 
give  themselves  to  secular  duties,  and  to  provide  what  is 
uselul  for  this  life,  and  another  devote  their  days  to  m.en- 
tal  aiid  spiritual  pursuits,  to  promote  the  interests  of  the 
soul,  those  who  derive  the  benefit  of  the  spiritual  man's 
seclusion  and  studies,  should  share  with  him  the  benefit  of 
their  labours  and  coaimerce? 

To  wish  that  it  were  otherwise,  betrays  such  a  perver- 
sion of  mmd,  and  such  a  destitution  of  all  just  moral  feel- 
ing, as  is  utterly  inconsistent  with  common  honesty,  apart 
from  all  consiJeration  of  the  nobh  r  impulses  of  christian 
religion.  For  the  flock  to  desire  the  advantages  of  the 
minister's  exertions,  his  mental  solicitude  ar»d  physical  pow- 
ers, while  he  receives  no  adequate  support  from  their 
worldly  gains,  is  as  manifestly  uiuqual  and  unjust,  as  it 
would  be  tor  the  mmi^^ter  to  be  supported  by  their  labors, 
and  do  nothing  for  them  in  return. 

Lei  us  now  inquire  into 

II.  The  extent  to  which  this  duty  should  be  carried. 

If  Christ  has  not  prescribed  how  much  we  shall  give, 
say  some  hypocritical  pretenders  to  religion,  we  may  as- 
sign the  merest  pittance,  and  not  violate  any  express  pre- 
cept. Yet,  replies  the  genuine  disciple  of  Christ,  are  there 
not  certain  considerations,  that  furnish  some  clue  by  which 
we  may  judge  of  our  duty  to  Christ  and  his  servants?  May 
we  not  consider,  w,hat  measures  will  best  answer  the  ends 
of  justice;  most  fully  accord  with  the  languap-e  of  scrip- 
ture; most  effectually  promote  the  interests  of  the  churc  h, 
and  provide  for  the  salvation  of  the  world?  If  we  can  as- 
certain these  points,  will  they  not  furnish  us  with  an  im- 
perative rule?  To  what  extent  then,  should  a  church  pro- 
vide for  the  support  of  its  ministers,  so  as 


9 


1.  To  satisfy  the  claims  of  justice? 

I  say  justice^  for  so  the  scriptures  speak)  and  I  most  stre- 
nuoubly  deny  that  it  comes  under  the  head  of  charity^  or 
aln[)s.  For  who  ever  supposed,  that  when  any  one  had 
laboured  hard  for  them  all  day,  it  was  mere  charity  to  pay 
hill)  at  night?  On  this  footing  our  support  is  placed  by 
Christ,  *' the  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  hire,**  or  "  of  his 
meat."  What  proprietor  ever  complimented  himself  for 
his  charities,  because  he  paid  the  steward  who  watched 
over  his  property,  and  secured  to  him  his  income?  Did 
any  rational  man  ever  set  down  to  the  score  of  alms,  what 
he  i^ave  to  the  instructor  who  taught  him  music  or  French? 

Nor  will  that  christian,  who  employs  an  unbiassed  un- 
derstanding on  the  subject,  assign  the  contribution  to  the 
ministry,  to  any  other  class  of  expense,  than  the  payment 
of  just  debts,  recompense  given  for  services  performed. 

The  question  arises,  then,  what  sum  is  necessary  to  an- 
swer the  ends  of  justice?  To  determine  this,  we  must 
compare  the  services  of  ministers  with  those  of  others 
who  benefit  society  by  their  talents  and  their  toils.  Men- 
tal services  are  adjudged  worthy  of  a  higher  recompense 
than  mere  physical,  or  bodily  powers;  because  they  de- 
mand the  exercise  of  the  higher  qualities  of  our  nature, 
and  are  more  difficult  to  be  procured  than  mere  muscular 
force.  If  then,  the  recompense  given  to  physicians,  coun- 
sellors, and  others,  whose  intellect  benefits  their  fellow 
men,  be  the  btandard,  I  ask  whether  ministers  are  justly 
paid?  Are  they  not  frequently  put  off  with  that  which  is 
given  to  the  mechanic  or  labourer  for  mere  muscle  and 
sinew? 

Our  surprise  and  censure  are  increased  when  we  ob- 
serve, that  the  same  persons  who  adjudge  the  lowest  re- 
compense demand  the  loftiest  talent.  They  are  never  sat- 
isfied, without  such  powers  in  the  pulpit  as  would,  in  any 
other  place,  secure  a  fortune,  ar»d  yet  refuse  to  allow  the 
minister  a  mere  living.  Is  this  justice? 

Others,  while  securing  to  themselves  a  fortune  by  the 
very  habits  of  reflection,  industry,  frugality,  and  integrity, 
which  the  ministry  first  taught,  and  still  cherishes,  would 
be  alarmed  at  the  mention  of  such  a  salary  for  the  minis- 

B 


10 


ter  as  would  enable  him  to  make  the  slenderest  provision 
for  a  future  day.  Is  this  justice? 

Would  not  that  venerable  quality  require,  that  if  a  man 
is  placed  in  a  certain  rank  of  society,  he  should  be  ena- 
bled to  support  himself  and  his  family  in  such  a  way,  as 
will  permit  him  to  mingle  with  persons  of  that  rank,  wiilfc- 
out  exciiint^,  in  their  minds  or  his  own,  reflections  on  his 
poverty?  Yet  there  are  some  persons  who  would  be 
shocked  at  the  appearance  of  degradation  in  their  minis- 
ter or  his  family,  while  the  slightest  rtfleciion  might  con- 
vince them,  that  they  had  never  contributed  that  which 
should  enable  him  to  spare  their  feelings  or  his  own.  Is 
this  justice? 

If  others;,  think  it  the  duty  of  gjood  husbands  and  fathers, 
to  provide  for  their  widows  and  orphans,  should  not  a  min- 
ister, WHO  is  equally  subject  to  mortality,  be  a  husband  and 
a  father,  as  lender  and  faithful,  as  any  of  his  flock?  Most 
readily  I  admit,  that  this  care  for  a  temporal  futurity  is  of- 
ten carried  to  guilty  extremes,  from  which  a  minister  should 
stand  afar  off.  The  same  duty,  however,  lies  upon  his  hear- 
ers. Covetousness  and  worldly  care  are  sins  in  them  as 
well  as  in  him.  And  if  there  is  any  degree,  in  which  it  is 
lawful  for  a  christian  to  provide  for  those  who  are  dear 
to  him,  in  the  event  of  his  death;  in  that  degree  it  is  law- 
ful for  a  minister.  Yet,  how  few  are  the  preachers  of  the 
gospel  who  can,  from  the  income  of  their  ministry,  provide 
both  for  their  family  while  they  live,  and  for  the  wi(fow 
and  orphan  they  may  leave  at  death?  That  our  income 
ceases  at  our  death  is  well  known;  and  should  they  be  cast 
upon  the  (Thariiy  of  the  churches,  who  have  been  identi- 
fied with  him  that  had  a  claim  in  equity  for  himself,  and 
the  wile  of  his  bosom,  and  the  children  of  his  care?  Is 
this  justice? 

Christians  declare,  with  equal  truth  and  warmth,  that  the 
ministry  so  demands  the  whole  man,  that  no  employment 
will  less  admit  of  a  divided  heart;  they  are  quick-sight- 
ed to  perceive  when  a  minister  gives  but  a  moiety  of  his 
powers  to  their  edification,  and  yet  they  leave  him  to  be  dis- 
tracted by  all  the  solicitudes  attendant  on  a  straitened  in- 
come. Is  this  justice? 

A  minister's  salary  is  often  so  inadequate,  that,  unless  he 


11 


could  work  miracles  to  multiply  the  loaves  and  fishes,  they 
will  not  hold  out;  if  he  is  not  a  man  of  criminal  insensi- 
bility to  the  claims  of  justice  he  must  be  distracted  with 
solicitude  to  devit>e  the  ways  and  means  to  meet  his  credi- 
tors; or  he  must  employ  the  larpjcr  part  of  his  time  in  sec- 
ular lal^ouis  for  his  support.  His  hearers  know  he  is  not 
endued  wiih  the  power  gf  working  miracles;  they  insist 
upon  his  being  a  man  of  high  sense  of  justice;  they  will 
have  all  his  time;  and  will  not  increase  his  income.  Is  this 
justice? 

I  turn  to  show  lo  what  extent  ministers  should  be  pro- 
vided for,  in  order 

2.  To  accord  wiih  the  language  of  scripture. 

The  Lord  has  ordained,  that  "  they  who  preach  the 
gospel  should  live  of  the  gospel,"  not  starve  of  the  gos- 
pel, but  so  live  by  it,  as  ihey  who  served  at  the  altar  of 
old  lived  by  the  altar."  For  the  fair  construdiion  of  this  in- 
spired passage  is,  that  such  a  remuneration  as  the  tribe  of 
Levi  enjoyed,  under  the  ancient  dispensation,  the  christian 
ministry  should  now  receive.  What  this  was,  we  may 
learn  from  what  has  already  been  said,  that  a  twelfih  part 
of  the  population  had  a  tenth  of  the  produce  of  the  land, 
besides  cities  with  their  suburbs,  and  certain  parts  of  the 
offerings  of  the  Lord.  From  this,  and  from  the  ancient 
sacred  history  we  may  learn,  that  the  ministers  of  relig- 
ion^were  not  intended  to  be  depressed  to  the  rank  of  pau- 
pers, but  were  enabled  lo  live  about  as  comfortably  as  any 
of  the  ordinary  inhabilafits  of  the  land,  neither  pining  in 
poverty,  nor  rioting  in  wealth. 

Nor  can  any  thing  less  than  this,  accord  with  the  duty 
of  ministers  of  the  ejospel,  who  are  enjoined  to  be  "  ready 
to  every  good  work,**  and  to  be  "  examples  to  the  flock**  of 
all  that  is  useful  and  benevolent.  Is  it  possible  that  this 
can  be  a  duty  in  ministers,  who  are  to  be  provided  for  by 
you,  and  that  it  should  be  your  duly  only,  to  provide  for 
them  so  scantily,  as  to  make  it  impossible  for  them  to  do 
more  than  pay  the  debts,  necessarily  contracted  to  pro- 
cure food  and  raiment  for  their  own  house? 

Are  they  not  enjomed  to  be given  to  hospitality,**  that 
they  may  entertain  the  strangers,  who  will  often  apply  to 
the  pastor  as  to  a  common  public  friend?  Have  not  they, 


12 


therefore,  mistaken  their  duty,  who  think  they  make  up 
the  minister's  support  by  invitint?  him  oficn  to  their  table? 
Can  they  have  studied  that  bible,  that  commands  a  minis- 
ter to  have  a  hospitable  table  of  his  own?  In  consistency 
with  this  injunction,  Paul  teaches  Timothy  by  what  prin- 
ciples a  christian  church  should  be  guided,  in  their  choice 
and  treatment  of  a  bishop,  by  sayjng;  "  let  the  elders  that 
rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of  double  honour,  especially 
they  who  labour  in  word  and  cjocirine.  For  the  scripture 
saith,  thou  shall  not  muzzle  the  mouth  of  the  ox  that  tread- 
eth  out  the  corn;  and  the  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  re- 
watd."  A  niggardly  spirit  towards  ministers  may  be  learn- 
ed from  the  Koran  or  the  Shasiers,  sooner  than  from  the 
blessed  volume  of  inspired  truth. 

Again,  my  friends,  I  entreat  you  to  consider  to  what  ex- 
tent you  should  provide  for  your  ministers,  in  order 

3.  To  prom1)te  the  highest  inieresis  of  the  church. 

As  the  spirit  ot  inspiration  charges  a  young  minister  to 
"give  himself  wy^oZ/y  to  these  things,  that  his  profiting  may 
appear  to  all;  for  no  man  that  warreth,  entangleth  him- 
self with  the  affairs  of  this  life,  that  he  may  please  him 
that  hath  chosen  him  to  be  a  soldier;*'  we  are  taught 
that  an  undivided  attention  to  the  ministry  is  essential  to  the 
edification  of  the  chuich,  and  the  approbation  of  Christ. 
In  fact,  our  Lord,  whose  laws  are  our  mercies,  ordained 
that  ministers  should  be  supported  free  from  worldly  la- 
bours, in  order  that  you  might  have  the  full  benefit  of* 
their  undivided  attention,  and  th#.r  utmost  elasticity  of 
mind.  And  when  there  are  several  hundreds  of  persons 
collected  in  one  christian  society,  it  is  manifestly  to  their 
highest  interest,  to  determine  to  maintain  their  minister 
entirely  free  from  all  temporal  csCres  and  pursuits,  that 
they  may  enjoy  the  full  benefit  of  his  time,  his  talents,  his 
thoughts,  his  heart.  But,  when  the  support  they  allow  is 
so  scanty,  that  he  cannot  live  without  adding  to  his  income 
the  profits  of  some  secular  employment;  or  when,  in  at- 
tempting to  avoid  that  which  he  fears  will  cat  out  the 
heart  ol  the  minister^  he  is  so  entangled  with  the  difficul- 
ties of  making  his  pittance  hold  out,  that  he  is  haunted 
with  anxious  cares;  they  cannot  possibly  receive  the  full 
benefit  of  his  labours,  but  are  robbed  of  the  pleasure  arid 


13 


Ihe  profit  they  might  have  derived  from  the  urrobstriicted 
spring  of  his  mind,  and  the  generous  flow  of  his  soul.  In 
Worldly  professions,  men  are  enabled  to  rise  superior  to 
this  pressure,  by  the  direct  hope  that  professional  exer- 
tions will  extricate  them  from  pecuidary  embarrassments. 
Bui  wo  to  the  pastor  and  the  flock,  where  the  fires  of  the 
pulpit  are  of  that  unhallowed  kind  that  are  kindled  by  the 
mercenary  desire  of  earning  a  morsel  of  bread.  The 
church,  therefore,  is  left  without  remedy;  and  if  the  evil 
arise  Irom  want  ol  inclination,  rather  than  ability  to  sup- 
port their  rnimsier,  it  ts  aggravated  by  all  the  weight  of 
the  Saviour*s  anger,  who  will  call  them  to  answer  for  their 
€in,  when  pastor  and  fieofile  shall  be  judged  at  his  bar, 

I  am  not  ignorant  of  tne  wretched  apologies  that  are 
sometimes  urged.  ♦  It  is  dangerous  for  a  minister  to  be 
rich!'  Ai^  is  it  not  for  the  hearers  too?  And  are  you  not 
afraii)  of  increasiog  the  hazards  of  your  own  soul,  by 
adduig  lo  your  wealth  all  that  you  withhold  from  him? 
And  have  you  sincerely  risen  o  that  exalied  height,  of 
loving  your  minister  better  than  yourself;  so  that  you 
Would  waich  for  his  security  from  the  snares  of  wealth,  at 
the  price  of  increasing  your  own  danger  of  being  found 
amung  them  that  shall  "  hardly  enter  into  tiie  kingdom  of 
God?" 

But  *  troubles  are  good  for  minisiers,  who  preach  better 
tincier  the  rod!*  Thus  the  epicure  torments  the  creatures 
of  God,  that  they  may  aff'ord  him  a  more  delicious  treat! 
As  it  the  world  and  the  devil  would  not  furnish  ministers 
with  troubles  enough,  unless  the  flock  for  whom  they  la- 
bour ado  starvation  to  the  list!  But  *  wc  preach  better  for 
affliction!*  A  broken  heart,  I  know,  is  good  for  prayer,  but 
it  ib  bad  for  preaching.  In  the  pulpit,  the  Joy  of  the  Lord 
is  our  strength.  Then  we  reign  and  triumph  over  your 
hearts,  when  you  reign  and  triumph  over  ours.  If  we 
preach  better  under  the  rod,  it  is  when  that  rod  is  in  the 
hand  of  God,  not  in  yours. 

But  to  turn  from  cavils,  which  scarcely  admit  of  seri- 
ous replies,  I  ask  again;  if  a  minister's  wife  be  afflicted, 
and  he  be  obliged  to  nurse  her  himself,  because  he  can- 
not afford  to  pay  one  for  giving  her  the  attentions  that  are 
her  due;  can  the  hearers  hope  that  he  will  come  from  the 

C 


14 


incessant  waichings  of  a  sick  chamber,  like  a  giant  re- 
freshed with  new  wine?  Or  when  his  children  need  edu- 
cation, and  he  is  compelled  to  teach  them  at  hon»e,  be- 
cause the  bills  of  a  S(  huo)  woul  '  swallow  up  hib  whole 
income;  hoiv  can  he  come  from  the  horn  book,  the  grammar 
and  the  slate^  on  jire  with  aacred  meditations,  to  fiour  forth 
the  full  tide  of  halloiued  eloquence^  and  give  to  undent, 
wel;  Known  truths,  ail  ihe  cliarms  ihey  may  derive  from 
novel  an<l  surprising  illustrations? 

When,  again,  the  ap jsile  says  to  the  young  evangelist, 
"  give  aiiendance  to  readi-  g,"  he  supposes  that  he  has 
books,  c»nd  these  dcn»and  n»oney.  But  I  have  unhappily 
ki>owi)  a  fine  mind,  athirst  for  informauon,  that  would  have 
poured  forth  the  treasures  it  might  have  acquired  from 
reading,  into  ihe  hearts  of  his  hearers,  stunted  m  its  growth 
for  want  of  the  resources  which  a  library  would  have  fur- 
nished, arid  Wf.ich  a  generous  people  would  have  afforded, 
and  doomed  to  chastise  their  covetousness  by  a  repetition  of 
old  things.  No  punishnieni  is  severer  than  that  which  is 
infli*  leu  by  the  re  action  of  our  own  sin. 

Consider  too,  my  triends,ihat  the  church  of  God  is  bound 
to  have  ministers,  who  enjoy  a  good  report  of  them  that 
are  without.  This,  however,  in  a  great  measure  depends 
on  yourselves.  I  once  heard  a  person  speak  ot  the  use- 
fulness of  a  minister  thus,  "  If  he  were  doing  much  good 
to  that  people,  they  would  give  him  a  better  coat.*^ 

If  it  be  objected  that  we  should  not  attach  too  much 
importance  to  the  opinion  of  the  world;  for  pur  grand 
concern  should  be,  to  know  what  is  Christ's  estimation  of 
our  <  onduct;  I  most  readily  grant  the  truth.  And  are  we 
not  assured  that  an  apostle  under  infallible  inspiration, 
was  delighted  with  the  generc  sity  of  a  certain  church  to- 
wards him;  because  it  redounded  to  their  high  advantage 
before  the  throne  of  Heaven.  "  I  desire  not  a  gift,  but 
fruit,  that  may  abound  to  your  account.  But  I  have  re- 
ceived that  from  you,  which  is  an  odour  of  a  sweet  smell, 
a  sacrifice  well  pleasing  to  God.  My  God  shall  supply 
all  your  need,  according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ 
Jesus." 

And  is  that  which  is  given  to  his  servants,  a  grateful 
©dour  to  their  Lord?  And  must  we  not  wish,  that  Heaven 


15 


may  smell  such  perfumes  from  you?  Who  can  refrain 
from  t<  ars,  when  he  thinks  of  those  from  whom  Christ 
never  receives  these  odours,  but  is  insulted  with  the  nau- 
seous stench  of  their  covetousness  and  injustice?  Alas, 
thai  he  should  have  to  look  down  and  blush  to  know,  that 
these  pt  i  sons  are  called  by  the  sacred  name  of  him,  who 
impoverished  himself  to  make  us  for  ever  richl 

But  here  again,  we  see  a  re-action  in  the  moral,  like 
that  which  prevails  in  the  physical  world.  For  that  Sa- 
viour who  is  pleased  with  all  that  i>  like  himself,  gener- 
ous and  kind,  rewarrls  this  spirit  in  the  flock,  by  kindling 
in  the  breast  of  its  pastor  that  affection  for  their  persons, 
and  solicitude  for  then-  souls,  which  give  to  his  thoughts 
all  the  beauties  of  the  bow  of  heaven,  and  to  his  voice  all 
the  sweetness  of  angelic  tones.  But  how  can  this  be  ex- 
pected by  a  people,  whose  ungenerous  treatment  renders 
it  difficult  for  tht  ir  ininisler  to  do  nuich  more  than  forgive 
their  wickedness!  It  is  reserved  for  a /z^era/ cor\gregation 
to  hear  strains  like  those  which  Paul  addressed  to  the 
Philippian  chuich. 

To  the  last  consideration  that  may  show  us  the  extent 
to  which  mitusiers  should  be  supported,  I  now  advance. 
We  should  consider 

4.  What  may  best  promote  the  conversion  of  the  world. 

The  church  should  consider  itself  placed  in  the  earth, 
as  a  golden  candlestick,  to  hold  out  the  light  of  divine 
truth  to  a  benighted  world;  that,  from  this  centre,  the  rays 
of  heaven  nr)ay  dart  forth  in  every  direction,  till  the  whole 
earth  shall  believe  on  him  whom  the  Father  hath  sent. 
No  clime,  no  class,  no  character,  should  be  excluded  from 
our  benevolence.  A  minister,  therefore,  should  be  ena- 
bled to  gain  admittance  into  every  rank  of  society.  He 
should  not  be  so  exalted  as  to  be  beyond  the  reach  of  a 
poor  man,  nor  so  depressed  as  to  be  beneath  the  notice  of 
the  rich;  but  should  stand  in  that  happy  mediocrity,  that 
will  permit  him  to  lay  his  hands  on  both  extremes.  I 
plead  not  lor  great  wealth.  II,  however,  ministers  are  so 
poor  as  to  be  unable  to  gain  access  to  persons  of  wealth, 
■who  have  souls  to  be  saved  or  lost  as  well  as  others;  how 
can  we  be  said  to  do  our  utmost  for  the  salvation  of  men? 
A  minisier^should  be  rich  enough  to  give  a  shifiing,  or,  if 


16 


needful,  a  guinea  to  a  case  of  distress.  In  fact,  the  men 
of  the  work),  both  rich  and  poor,  do  expect  a  minister  to 
give;  and  they  will  very  much  estcen),  or  despise  him, 
according  as  they  find  him  generous  or  covetous. 

But  a  minister  should  be  enabled  to  show  a  generous 
spirit,  by  having  a  liberal  income.  On  the  conversion  of 
the  world  he  should  set  his  heart,  and  for  this  he  siiould 
"  devise  liberal  things.**"  Poverty,  however,  shrivels  the 
soul.  Let,  then,  your  ministers  find  access  lo  every  class 
of  society;  be  men  ot  general  science  and  literature,  who 
can  mingle  in  conversation  on  every  subject,  to  turn  it  to 
good  account;  and,  by  the  stimulus  of  their  own  example, 
teach  the  world  the  love  of  God  and  man. 

A  person,  with  a  large  and  generous  heart,  will  often 
think  of  the  handsome  manner  in  which  a  whole  people 
ought  to  support  iha'  one  man  who  is,  (or  who  wishes  to 
be,)  incessai  ily  labou»  ing  for  their  good.  He  sfiums  at.  the 
thought  0^  clogging  the  nvinga  of  an  angel,  or  pressing  dawn 
to  earth  one  ivho  would  bear  others  with  him  in  his  Jiight 
to  heaven:  anU  he,  v  ho  hc-s  )usi  views  himself,  will  ;iim  to 
inspiu'  them  in  the  mrr>ds  of  others;  for,  *^out  o*f  the 
abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  will  speak.** 

Stt  however,  S(  oth  themselves  by  saying,  <  but  our 
minister  is  contented.'  How  do  they  know?  *  Because  he 
does  nut  complain.*  Wliat  then,  most  a  n>inisler*s  delica- 
cy always  be  tried,  by  being  left  to  suffer  until  he  is  com- 
pelled to  c<jmplain?  Is  this  generous?  Ought  not  his  peo- 
ple to  think  it  their  duty  lo  consider,  whether  he  has  not 
reason  lo  complain,  and,  if  ihey  are  conscious  that  he  has, 
should  they  not  determiiie  to  spare  his  feelings,  by  never 
leaviiig  him  to  ask  tor  that  aduition  to  his  income,  which 
they  feel  to  be  his  due? 

Tne  mischief  sometimes  done  by  want  of  liberality 
among  the  rich,  is  incalculable.  It  is  a  blight  that  withers 
the  fruits  of  all  around.  For  a  plain,  and  even  poor  man, 
would  willingly  give  his  proportion;  but  he  says,  if  such 
a  rich  man  gives  only  five  dollars,  five  shillings  or  even 
live  cents  are  as  much  as  can  be  expected  from  me.  But 
the  rich  man  replies,  *I  have  so  many  other  expenses 
which  you  do  not  know.*  *  True,*  says  the  other,  *  I  give 
you  credit  for  them;  but  then,  you  support  all  the  other 


17 


expenses,  and  think  you  must,  in  order  to  maintain  your 
stauon  in  society.  Why  is  this  which  you  owe  to  a  minis- 
ter, the  only  expense  you  throw  off  from  your  shoulders? 
Or  is  it  only  in  religion,  that  it  is  Renieel  to  be  shabby? 
But  as,  when  wise  people  find  their  expenses  beyond  their 
income,  they  begin  to  reduce  them,  we  must  suppose 
that  you  are  doing  so,  and  have  begun  wiih  religion,  as 
that  for  which  you  care  the  least.  But  you  have  begun 
there  many  years  ago,  and  we  have  not  seen  the  reduc- 
tion in  other  thiogs  yet.* 

O  Thou,  whose  omnipotence  can  accomplish,  what  to 
us  is  impossible,  and  cause  even  a  rich  man  to  enter  thy 
kingdom;  make  them  to  whom  thou  hast  committed  ten 
talents,  faiti  ful  over  many  things;  and  inspire  in  their 
hearts,  the  language  of  thy  servant,  **  L«'rd,  deliv^r  me 
from  men  of  the  world,  who  have  their  portion  in  this  life; 
who  are  full  of  children,  and  leave  ihe  lest  of  their  sub- 
stance to  tht  ir  babes.  As  for  u  '  I  shall  belicld  thy  face  in 
righteousness;  I  shall  be  satisfied,  when  I  awake  in  thy 
likeness." 

There  are,  however,  many  who  would  not  be  placed 
among  the  rich,  but  are  persons  of  very  comfort<tble  in- 
comes, whose  expenditure  is  several  hundreds  a  year; 
who  get  their  own  praise,  at  the  marvellously  cheap  rate 
oi  giving  one  guinea  every  year,  to  support  a  minister  to 
whom  they  profess  to  be  attached.  Were  I  to  speak  as  a 
man,  I  should  pour  ihe  full  torrent  of  indii?nant  contempt 
on  their  beggarly  benevolence.  But  as  a  christian  and  a 
minister,  I  had  rather  drop  the  tear  of  bitter  regret  and 
deep  commiseration; — regret,  for  the  religion  of  Jesus, 
that  it  should  be  burthened  with  the  disgrace  of  such 
names;  and  commiseration  for  the  men,  wtio  had  not 
learned,  even  from  such  a  master  as  Christ,  how  blessed 
it  is  to  give. 

But  I  should  hope,  that  these  persons  have  erred,  in  a 
great  measure,  through  inconsideration.  They  have  never 
reflected,  what  proportion  their  expenses  for  religion 
bear  to  all  their  other  expenditures.  They  have  never 
once  thought,  that  they  give  to  a  minister  one  seventh 
part  of  what  they  pay  to  a  maid  servant;  and  perhaps 
they  keep  two  or  three  of  these.  It  is  not,  indeed,  the 


18 


thirtieth  part  of  the  cost  of  a  domestic  servant,  if  to  the 
wages  wv  add  ihe  board.  To  this  so'ine  will  object,  that 
our  servant  is  our  own,  who  sptnds  all  her  iime  for  us 
alone;  while  the  miniPter  serves  many  others,  every  one 
of  whom  ought  to  contribute. 

This  I  do  not  forget.  But  you  say,  that  from  the  gospel 
you  receive  more  delight,  and  expect  more  bcneht  than 
from  any  earthly  service;  and  all  we  wish  is,  to  bring  you, 
and  every  other  person  who  enjoys  tht-  sound  of  ihe  gos- 
pel from  the  minister's  lips,  to  contribute  in  such  propor- 
tion, as  will  produce  a  comfortable  in(  ome. 

As  we  come  down  to  the  lower  ranks  of  life,  we  are  re- 
minded of  w  hat  a  shrewd  person  on(  e  said,  *  I  pay  more 
for  the  lowest  article  of  my  dress  than  lor  my  soul.'*  It 
costs  multit  udes  much  more  for  insuring  ih<  ii  bouses, than 
for  instructing  iheir  souls.  We  are  also  compelled  to  say, 
that  the  very  persons  who  are  excused,  throUc' h  mere  po- 
verty,from  contribuiinii  at  al)  to  support  the  man  by  whom 
they  are  taught,  often  spend  as  much  on  their  pleasures, 
as  others  give  for  the  pastor's  support. 

Many  excuse  themselves  from  making  an  adequate  re- 
compense to  a  minister,  because,  they  say,  *  he  is  a  man 
of  fortune,  and  does  not  need  it.*  To  this  I  have  two  re- 
plies. First.  Are  you  sure  that  this  is  true?  I  plead  for 
ministers  wiih  more  earnestness,  because  I  can  declare, 
before  heaven  and  earth,  that  I  believe  they  are  often  the 
most  liberal  subscribers  to  the  cause  of  religion,  which 
the  church  of  God  contains.  Many  of  them,  who  cannot 
be  considered  rich  men,  but  may  rather  be  called  poor, 
yet  contribute  with  a  spirit  that  may  put  others  to  shame. 
They  who  go  to  associations,  and  missionary  meetings,  at 
an  expense  which  they  '  an  ill  afford,  because  they  know 
that  these  useful  objects  would,  without  them,  languish 
and  die;  while  some  far  richer  persons  stay  at  home,  not 
merely  to  gain  money  by  attendance  to  business,  which  it 
is  often  their  duty  to  do,  but  sometin»es,  also,  because  they 
do  not  choose  to  afford  the  expense  of  travelling.  I  sec 
on  the  lists  of  subscriptions,  the  guinea  of  a  minister,  when 
the  names  of  far  richer  men  are  attached  to  no  greater 
sum.  If  you  juuge  by  these  signs,  you  may  conclude  the 
minister  to  be  rich,  when  it  is  not  his  property,  but  his  li- 
berality which  is  thus  proved. 


19 


But  a  second  reply  demands  notice.  If  it  should  be  true, 
and  a  ministt  r  shouli'  be  licii,  what  can  that  have  to  do 
with  your  paymt  i  t  of  yout  just  debts?  It  you  enter  the 
shop  of  a  tradesman,  you  nevt  r  mqiiiie  after  his  private 
property  before  y(.u  pay  your  b'llh.  When  a  medical  man 
has  tijiven  you  his  time  and  laleriis,  you  would  not  think  of 
reiusiiig  to  reward  him,  because  he  was  a  man  of  fortune. 

And  l)y  u  hat  luie  of  ri^hieousntss,  is  a  minister  to  be 
the  only  person  whose  service?,  are  to  he  unpaid,  because 
he  happens  to  be  rich?  VVliei.  Chiist  says,  the  spiritual 
"  labourer  is  wonhy  of  his  reward,'*  he  floes  not  add,  *  ex- 
cept he  shouliJ  be  rich;'  and  why  should  you  add  this  ex- 
ception? But  you  say,  »  he  does  not  need  to  receive  it.' 
To  which  I  reply,  but  you  need  to  give  it.  D(»  your  duty, 
and  let  him  judge  for  '  imsv  If  coiicerrnng  his.  But  you 
think,  that  if  P  ovidence  has  blessed  him  with  abundance, 
he  ought  u,  give  away  as  much  as  his  salary  will  produce. 
Weli  let  him  give  it  away.  But  <'o  not  assume  to  yourself 
the  rigtJt  to  give  it  for  him.  And  il  you  do  not  pay  it  to 
him,  d(  you  really  give  it  away  to  the  poor,  or  to  ihe  hea- 
then? Are  tliere  not  instances  in  which  it  is  retained  for 
yourselves?  What,  then,  are  you  the  poor  persons  whom 
he  is  to  relieve,  because  hi  is  rich?  The  very  persons  who, 
perhaps,  are,  after  all,  richer  tlian  himself. 

But  supposing  him  to  be  able  to  labour  without  receiv- 
ing his  full  lecompense,  to  whom  should  he  give  that  ad- 
vantage ?  To  a  rich  and  covetous  peoph  ?  Not  if  he  values 
his  accountability  to  Him  who  entrusted  him  with  pro- 
peity,  who  has  said,  "  he  that  robbeth  the  poor,  and  he 
thai  giveth  to  the  ri'  h,"  are  alike  guilty  in  his  sight.  No: 
if  I  spend  my  life  and  labours  for  nothing,  it  must  be  to 
benefit  a  people  who  cannot  repay  them;  not  those  who 
will  rot.  And  he  is  not  worthy  of  the  name  and  office  of  a 
christian  minister,  who  would  not  esteem  it  a  high  privi- 
lege, to  be  able  thus  to  preach  to  a  flock,  who  could  not 
otherwise  enjoy  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Yet  even  there,  he 
would  be  their  best  friend,  who  would  see  that  they  did 
all  they  could  to  pay  their  minister,  ihoug^h  he  should 
give  i  hack  among  them  an  hundred  fold. 

I  cannot  close,  late  as  the  hour  is,  without  recurring  lo 
the  solicitude  with  which  I  commenced.  Some  may  har- 


20 


ien  themselves  in  their  sins,  by  pretendini<  to  think,  that 
this  has  been  a  mert  tnary  sern  on.  But  I  would  most  ten- 
derly warn  you,  my  friefms,  that  you  will  find  at  ihe  last 
day,  thai  many  a  pious  youth  has  sacrificed  the  prosp^ct 
of  a  fortune,  and  many  a  minister  endure  d  severe  poverty 
to  devote  their  lives  to  win  you  from  that  fove  of  the  wf-rld 
to  which  you  are  sacrificing  your  soul.  But  how  precious 
must  be  your  soul,  and  how  desirable  your  salvation,  for 
the  sake  of  which  others  will  endui  t  that  poverty  which 
you  would  rather  lose  your  soul  than  bear! 

Nor  can  1  sit  down,  without  rentinding  my  brethren  in 
the  ministry,  that  though  I  have  endeavoured  to  prove  our 
claim«i  on  the  liberality  of  our  flocks,  no  pen  of  man,  or 
tongue  of  angel,  can  declare  all  tiiat  intensity  of  mind,  or 
fidelity  of  labour,  which  we  owe  to  ihe  souls  committed  to 
our  care.  Let  not  any  mercenary  attention  lo  your  tempo- 
ral dues,  shed  a  blighting  mildew  over  tlie  pasture  to  which 
you  lead  your  flock.  Y'»u  can  scan  ely  ever  say,  or  do, 
much  about  your  own  income,  without  injuring  yoursel  es 
and  your  charge.  Consecrate  yourselves  to  serve  Christ's 
interest,  and  trust  him  to  take  care  of  yours. 

For  the  liberal  friends,  wi  ose  hearts  have  echoed,  as  I 
know  some  do,  to  all  that  I  have  sai^l  on  the  minister's  be- 
half, I  return  to  Heaven  our  graietui  vows,  that  the  gene- 
rous sacrifices  you  have  made  for  our  support,  may  be 
abundantly  repaid. — "  But  this  I  say,  he  who  soweth  spar- 
ingly, shall  reap  also  sparingly;  and  he  who  soweth  abun- 
dantly shall  reap  also  bountifuliy.  Every  man  according 
as  he  purposeih  in  his  heart  so  let  him  give,  not  grudg- 
ingly or  of  necessity;  for  God  lovtih  a  cheerful  giver. 
And  God  is  able  to  make  ail  grace  abound  towards  y»)u; 
that  ye  always  having  all  sufficiency  in  all  things,  may- 
abound  to  every  good  work.'* 


